10 Suprising Things to Do
in Sevierville, Tennessee
New, Unique Restaurants & Attractions in Sevierville, TN
​
Sevierville is the city that is the "county seat" for Sevier County, Tennessee.
Sevier County includes Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and surrounding areas of these famous towns. It is most famous for being the hometown of Dolly Parton, but there is also much more, and Sevierville is growing fast!
​
Many people encounter Sevierville as a "passing through" city as they go to
Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge on their vacations.
If you look at the map below, you will see Sevierville in relation to other cities. The most popular route for visitors is to come from I-40 (Kodak) and drive South.
​
​
I'm about to tell you why you may want to explore Sevierville in the future and what surprises it holds!
First, here are some common questions about Sevierville, Tennessee.
​
Where to Find the Party around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville
​
Is Sevierville in the Mountains?
Some parts are mountainous, and some are flatter. It's right at the edge of the mountains and has an excellent view of The Great Smoky Mountains and National Park. Some of the outskirts of Sevierville are definitely more mountainous, and include the beautiful Wears Valley, English Mountain, and Pittman Center. The mountains can be seen all around, but mainly looking to the south, southwest and southeastern views of Sevierville, as shown in the photo I took, at the top of this page. The photo is a view looking eastward over the town.
​
If you are looking for a cabin or driving where the terrain is not as winding and mountainous, the central parts of Sevierville might be for you.
​
Is Sevierville Close to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg?
Yes.
The 3 popular cities are connected by Highway 441.
Sevierville is the 1st city at the northern part of the 3-town corridor. As you drive south, it is just about 4 miles from downtown Sevierville to Pigeon Forge. If you keep driving south on the main Parkway (441), you will get to Gatlinburg next. It is only about 11 miles from downtown Sevierville to Gatlinburg.
​
Is Sevierville a Dry County?
No.
A dry county is defined as "a county in the United States whose government forbids the sale of any kind of alcoholic beverages." In the past, Sevier County was dry, but not anymore. Grocery stores now carry beer and wine. The only restriction is a time restriction on Sundays. After noon you are good to go.
Grocery stores like Food City, Kroger and Publix all carry beer and wine in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg and surrounding areas of Sevier County.
Gatlinburg allows-and has- traditional liquor stores, while Pigeon Forge and Sevierville do not. But there are many distilleries, wineries, and stores to buy locally made alcoholic beverages in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge.
In most of Sevier County, you may buy liquor and beer by the drink while dining, and because distilleries in town are plentiful, you can go to any distillery or winery to buy bottles of locally made whiskey, moonshine, wine and other alcohol by the bottle. You can also do sampling at the various moonshine outlets - which I highly recommend, and are a lot of fun, if you are interested.
Check out my list of Distilleries, Breweries & Wineries in Sevierville below!
​
Where Did Dolly Parton Live in Sevierville?
Dolly's famous childhood home was a 2-room cabin in an area on the eastern side of Sevierville, in the Pittman Center area. Dolly is known to talk about her many happy childhood memories in the area known as Locust Ridge.
Many have tried, but it is not possible to actually visit the real childhood home at this time. You can drive up Locust Ridge Road, but you won't see the original location marked anywhere. It is a well-protected area that cannot be accessed by the general public. You can, however, visit an exact replica of it at Dollywood!
​
See my drive up Locust Ridge Road in the Fall where Dolly grew up in this video.
​
​
What is Sevierville Known For?
Sevierville's is known for many things, but most of all being the beloved hometown of Dolly Parton: Award winning country singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, author, and legend of the Smoky Mountains. (See my video of one of the last Dolly Homecoming Parades where Dolly appears in person as the Grand Marshal)
​
Sevierville is also well known for The Apple Barn, shopping outlets, cabin rentals, Douglas Lake, large flea markets, antique shops, Forbidden Caverns and many other attractions and restaurants, and things to do that I will highlight below.
It is growing fast, and there are many new, unique and exciting things happening here.
​
You Might Also Like
​
See cabins & vacation rentals in Sevierville
Amazing Cabins with Indoor Pools
Pet Friendly Cabins Near Dollywood
Crazy Cool Cabins with Unique Features
​
1.) Downtown Revitalization
Downtown Sevierville, TN
_edited.jpg)
Sevierville has a lot of history. Downtown has aged gracefully but was in need of a little sparkle. The plan is making downtown Sevierville come back to life giving it a fresh look. Power lines are being placed underground, walkability is improved with wider sidewalks and beautification with pretty lighting and landscaping is giving downtown new life.
Hear Dolly herself tell the story behind the Red's Cafe Mural, rest under the pretty gazebo, see the gorgeous Butterfly Mural nearby, and visit new and upscale shops and restaurants like
​
-
Fine dining at The Appalachian Restaurant
-
Red's Soda Fountain
-
Trotter's Whole Hog BBQ
-
Jolene's Boutique
-
The Hickory Cabin BBQ
-
Graze Burgers
-
Wanderlust Salon & Spa
-
The Davis Hotel
-
Historic Central Hotel
-
Healthy Balance Meals
-
The Cherry Pit Quilt Shop
-
Pinchy's Lobster & Beer Co.
-
The Pines Historical Theater Renovation (where Dolly played her 1st paid performance)
​
​
Many events are planned, like the Farmer's Market, Bruce Street Brewfest and the annual Bloomin Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, History & Haunts, and more. Sevierville is fast becoming a downtown destination with quality dining.
​
​
2.) Dolly Parton Courthouse Statue & Hometown
125 Court Avenue, Sevierville, TN
In honor of Dolly Parton, a beautiful bronze statue was placed on the Sevier County Courthouse lawn
in 1987. It is an excellent spot to get some selfies and great photo op. Sevierville is very proud of Dolly, the founder of the Dollywood Foundation, and legendary singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist. To learn more about Dolly's history in Sevierville, you can see more here.
​
You can also see Dolly tell what the statue means to her in her own words, here.
Dolly has also been honored with the naming of a 3 mile stretch of Parkway known as "Dolly Parton Parkway", that starts just east of downtown, and runs east to west.
​
Cherokee Native Americans originally roamed and hunted throughout the Sevier County area. The area was named for John Sevier, a Revolutionary war hero, and the 1st governor of Tennessee in 1796. The Sevierville Courthouse was built in 1895 and is an example of beautiful Victorian Architecture.
​
3.) Soaky Mountain & Wilderness Waterparks
Corners of Old Knoxville Highway & Gists Creek Rd., Sevierville, TN
Driving past these parks as you come into Sevierville on Highway 66, the reaction is usually, "Wow!"
​
The 50-acre "Soaky Mountain Waterpark" and "The Wilderness at The Smokies" (a Wyndham Resort) are both located just across from The Sevierville Convention Center and Sevierville Golf Club. A perfect location and great resort to stay at if you want an entire indoor & outdoor waterpark experience, including entertainment, places to eat, stay and shop all in one spot. You can also rent your own personal cabana.
​
Includes onsite dining, retail shops, fitness center, Paint-your-own Pottery, Adventure Forest Family Adventure Center, and more. Check out the many options to stay at including River Lodge Suites, Wilderness Villas, and Stone Hill Lodge.
Check Available Dates & Get More Information
​
See Soaky Mountain Waterpark VS Dollywood Splash Country
​
Get My Discount Code for Soaky Mountain Tickets
​
​
​
4.) Skyland Ranch
Sevierville, TN
Now Open, this 100-acre park called Skyland Ranch is a partnership with Rowdy Bear Adventure Parks. (These are very popular adventure parks in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg that include mountains coasters, mountain glider, summer and winter outdoor hill tubing, laser coaster and more.)
This farm & ranch, western themed amusement park is a new attraction across from Tanger Outlets that includes rides, shops, treats, event space and live entertainment. It includes a scenic chairlift, a mile long mountain coaster (The Wild Stallion), a wide suspended bridge, canopy walks and more. There will also be rescue animals - miniature animals, including cows and donkeys. Also, food and retail barns with plans for a candy shop, bakery with gourmet cupcakes, souvenir shop, boutique, Christmas shop, toy store and more.
Fun for visitors of all ages- kids, teens, and adults. We can't wait to see what they have coming in the future!
​
See my video on YouTube of my ride on the 1st day The Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster was opened!
​
See my video of our visit to Skyland Ranch.
​
​
5.) Douglas Lake
Sevierville, TN
Did you know there is a beautiful lake just east of the Parkway in Sevierville?
​
If you love the water and watersports, consider jet ski rentals, boat and pontoon rentals, fishing (with license), try your hand at "Aqua Flight" water flyboarding, dinner on the water at Mountain Cove Marina, a cabin or rental home on the water, water skiing, swimming, and more!
​
Have a picnic at Douglas Dam Overlook, park your camper at one of the surrounding campgrounds, and visit "The Dam Store" to get supplies.
Check out these vacation rentals near Douglas Lake!
​
6.) Distilleries, Wineries & Breweries
Sevierville, TN
Here are some of the places to sample and take home the vast array of locally made moonshines, spirits, Tennessee whiskey, Wine, Hard Ciders and more. (Must be 21 years old)
​
Check Availability for: Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour
​
Shine Girl 1610 Jenkins Rd., Sevierville, owned by Danielle Parton, Dolly's niece
Old Tennessee Distilling Co. (Formerly Thunder Road), 3605 Outdoor Sportsman Pl, Kodak, TN
King Family Distillery, 1440 Upper Middle Creek Rd., Ste 201, Sevierville
Tennessee Shine Co., 1424 Winfield Dunn Pkwy Sevierville
Sevier Distilling Company, 745 Old Douglas Dam Rd, Sevierville
Tennessee Legend, 870 Winfield Dunn Parkway
​​
Hillside Winery, 229 Collier Dr, Sevierville
Apple Barn Cider House & Winery, 226 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville
Tennessee Homemade Wines, 1645 Parkway Ste 950, Sevierville (Tanger Outlets)
Tennessee Mountain View Winery, 3345 Wears Valley Rd., Sevierville
Wyile Cidery, 3757 Thomas Ln, Sevierville (across from Foxfire Mountain)
​
Gatlinburg Brewing Co., 870 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville
​
Curious about moonshine in the Smoky Mountains?
Check out my FAQ on Moonshine here.
​
7.) The Historic Central Hotel
101 East Main Street, Sevierville, TN
This charming, yet luxurious, historic hotel was originally built in Sevierville in the late 1800s, then rebuilt in 1938. It was recently restored and remodeled to its current beautiful condition. It has all the modern amenities and is located right in the middle of everything in the revitalized, downtown Sevierville.
​
Includes onsite perks like elevators, handicap accessibility, Honeybee Coffee Shop, Seasons 101 Restaurant, as well as Skylounge Rooftop Bar, Wifi, and fitness room.
​
Get More Info & Check Available Dates
\
​
8.) New Shopping and Places to Eat
Sevierville, TN
Here is my recommended list of some of the best overall, and best new places to eat and shop in Sevierville.
Pinchey's Lobster, Graze Burgers, Wildflour Bakehouse, Buccee's (coming in 2023), Party City, Pet Smart, Healthy Balance Meals, Holston's Kitchen, Roll on In Hibachi-Burritos & Bowls, Tamale Express, Uncle Hanks Knives, Five Oaks Farm Kitchen, The Appalachian Restaurant, Ogle Brothers General Store, Cruze Farms Ice Cream, Publix, Smoky Mountain Knifeworks (check out their Relic Room if you love history), Tanger Outlets (always new stores opening), Bass Pro Shop, and Elvira's Cafe.
​
Dutch Bros Coffee (pronounced "Dutch Broze") is also now open!
​
​
​
9.) Sanctuary Treehouse Resort
107 Pheasant Ridge Rd., Sevierville, TN
The largest treehouse resort in the world!
These luxury treehouses, set in a scenic spot, have tons of unique amenities like slides, drink chutes, drawbridges, escape hatches, chair swings, outdoor wood burning fireplaces and lots of space.
​
There are whiskey barrel sinks, walk in showers, miles of walking trails, but it's still a very convenient location keeps you close to the attractions like Soaky Mountain Waterpark and others in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
​
For kids there are climbing ropes and swings, a 20-foot outdoor slide, and plans for an enchanted forest and ride-on electric vehicles.
​
If all that is not enough, they are pet friendly and handicap accessible units available!
​
More Info on these and other Treehouses in the area
​
More handicap friendly cabins here
​
10.) Other Attractions
Sevierville, TN
I've got to tell you, there's way more to Sevierville than meets the eye.
​
Try the Waterfall Zipline at Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park, go to an event at the Sevierville Convention Center, and drive race cars at Nascar Speedpark. Jump on trampolines at Sevier Air Trampoline & Ninja Warrior Park, then go next door to Foam Warriorz Indoor Foam Combat.
How 'bout some golf at Island Pointe Golf Course (hidden gem), or see some cool creatures at Rainforest Adventures? Take a helicopter tour, try Ripley's Old MacDonald Mini Golf, or visit the Robert A. Tino Art Gallery.
Check out Escape Reality Comics and games or Autographs Plus, or head out to Wears Valley and visit Unforgettable View Massage & Spa, or Mountain Brothers General Store, Antique Shops, Elvira's Cafe and Hawk Skylift.
​
​
Check out these Highly Rated Cabins in Sevierville!
​
​
Smoky Time Out - Affordable, Cozy & Cute 2BR, 2BA
​
Barkin at the Moon - Gorgeous 3BR, 3BA with your very own Private Indoor Pool
​
Firefly Hollow - 3BR, 3BA, right across from Soaky Mountain & Wilderness Waterparks!
​
Good Times - 4BR, 3BA, with your very own Private Indoor Pool!
​
Wanderer - 12BR, 13BA, Newly built, with your very own Private, Indoor Pool!
​
​
​